🔗 Share this article

New York state AG has rolled out a fresh reporting form encouraging locals to provide photos and videos of ICE operations around the state. This step follows a shortly after a major immigration operation shook Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting widespread outcry.

American Citizens Held In ICE Operation

A US congressman disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were arrested and detained for "nearly 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations occurred in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents is entitled to reside free from terror," the AG wrote in a release.

"For those who saw and recorded federal operations during the raid, I urge you to provide that material with us. We are dedicated to assessing these submissions and evaluating any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The form provides spaces to send visual evidence of the raid, as well as a area to specify where it occurred. Prior to sending, submitters must tick a option that states that "the office might employ any materials, images, or footage in a public document, such as in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which observers say included more than 50 government officers, took place in a popular district of the city where imitation products and additional items are regularly available widely – typically to tourists.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid show several hooded and equipped personnel zip-tying and detaining a person, and shoving away onlookers. Masses of locals trailed the personnel through the streets. An military-style transport was also seen traveling down the urban roads.

Official Reactions

At a Wednesday press conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, stated that four nationals were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He clarified the individuals were freed on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman remarked. "This represents a militarized effort to create conflict. It is merely a excuse to incite violence for this administration to utilize the military to halt violence that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the ICE raid escalated – each of the mayoral candidates denounced the incident, along with the state leader.

"Yet again, the federal government chooses oppressive displays that instill panic, not safety. It has to end," a political candidate declared.

The city's advocacy organizations voiced concern too.

"Immigration agents raided Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and protective equipment to go after street vendors attempting to earn income. This action had nothing to do with public safety and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," said the leader of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

ICE policy prohibits the detention of US citizens and the agency has said it refrains from arrest or detain US citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has discovered that numerous US citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities during the period of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in NY and around the country this year.

A recent action in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the current administration. Rallies against federal operations are commonplace as are claims of violence and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a letter provided by civil rights groups claimed inadequate care of pregnant women in detention centers.